Port Susan is a bay of Puget Sound located in Washington State, USA, forming the water between the mainland near Stanwood and the eastern shore of Camano Island. It is a saltwater feature characterized by generally calm conditions, making it suitable for beginner and intermediate paddlers. The north end of the bay is partially sheltered from larger Salish Sea waters by shallow marshlands, which also results in relatively light motorized boat traffic, a benefit for kayakers, canoeists, and stand-up paddleboarders. Paddlers should, however, pay close attention to wind and weather, as the open water can become choppy. A key planning consideration is the tidal influence; while currents are relatively gentle compared to other parts of the Sound, paddling out against the wind or current is recommended to ensure an easier return trip. The tidal push and pull can make swimming back to shore challenging and significantly alter the depth and exposure of mudflats and sandbars, particularly in the estuarine channels near the mouths of the Stillaguamish and Snohomish Rivers.

Primary public launch points include Kayak Point Regional County Park on the mainland, which offers a boat ramp and over 3,300 feet of shoreline, though day-use areas have undergone renovations and fees apply. On Camano Island, Tillicum Beach Park provides a small beach suitable for launching kayaks at both high and low tide, with very limited parking. Hamilton Landing Park in Stanwood offers a kayak and boat launch with access to the Stillaguamish River and Port Susan. A dedicated water trail campsite for kayakers is located at Kayak Point, though it has been subject to closures for park construction. The water is cold year-round, typical of the Salish Sea, and the sea floor near beaches is often rocky, recommending water shoes. The landscape features dramatic forested hillsides along parts of Camano Island, extensive marshlands, and offers opportunities to see herons, ospreys, and migratory birds. A recommended route for experienced paddlers is a circumnavigation of the northern part of Camano Island, which involves several open-water crossings of approximately 1.5 nautical miles and navigating tidal passes like South Pass and West Pass during higher tides.